Golf practice device



Sept. 9, 1969 R. B. Fox ET AL GOLF PRACTICE DEVICE Filed Jan. 8, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Il fi@ /NvENTo/Qs; P0852 T B. Fox, RNST F, STU/2M,

United States Patent O 3,466,049 GOLF PRACTICE DEVICE Robert B. Fox, 28 Medial Place, Decatur, Ill. 62521,

and Ernst F. Sturm, 8768 Del Vista Drive, St. Louis,

Filed Jan. 8, 1968, Ser. No. 696,348 Int. Cl. A63b 69/36; F41b 3/04; A63h 33/26 U.S. Cl. 273-186 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A simulated golf club has magnetically held to its lower end a releasable ball member which, if a proper golf swing has been executed with said club, twill be detached from the cl-ub and enter an opening in a target member which is positioned forwardly of the golfer. The ball member is detachably secured to the club by a holding element thereon which lits into a cup attached to the ball member. The holding element magnetically coacts with the bottom of the cup in a manner which permits the top of the cup to be tilted at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the club. A movable member on the club is engageable with the top of the cup to tilt same relative to the holding element and create an air gap therebetween, to thus vary the magnetic holding force. The target includes a suspended impact curtain behind the above mentioned opening. A second target opening is provided for putting purposes. The target is formed from a card board blank including score lines and assembling tabs and slots.

Background of the invention Professional golfers who exhibit skill in the art of hitting a golf ball, generally attribute the length of their shots to what they refer to as a well-timed release. The term release in golf parlance, refers to the actual hit right at the impact area, and denotes an infinitesimal delay in uncocking the wrists until the final split second before the golf ball is struck by the clubhead, and then snapping the wrists through the ball with the right hand overtaking the left hand in the process. It will, of course, be understood that this overtaking action would be reversed in the case of a left-handed golfer.

As a general rule, a golfer whose shots lack maximum distance, will realize that this is so because his release is premature, or tardy, in consequence whereof he loses much of the desired clubhead speed.

There are, of course, other requisites conducive to good performance, which many professionals have expounded on in great detail. Whereas, the opinions vary and many styles are proclaimed superior, there is no disagreement whatsoever with the foregoing statement as to the necessity of a well-timed release to obtain maximum distance. This invention is unique in that it permits the user to practice a well-timed release in conjunction with various or preferred methods of stance, gripping a golf club, and various or preferred arm and body movements of his own choosing or in accordance with professional advice. This applies to both woods and irons.

Field of the invention The present disclosure is primarily directed to the provision of novel means designed for use by an individual golfer desirous of improving his performance on the golf links. Secondarily, the present disclosure is directed to the provision of novel means designed for use by two or more individuals in competition with each other in driving distance ability and accuracy. Furthermore, the disclosure includes a novel target assembly that may be erected either indoors or outdoors for chipping and putting practice by an individual, or in a chipping or putting contest with others.

With respect to the prior art, we are aware of the following patents in this field: Connolly No. 3,136,546; Quattrin 2,856,190; Ahles 1,994,207; Kaufman 3,075,773; Hurdzan 2,950,115 and Kenny 1,759,622. None of these patents, however, include means that enable a golfer to precisely observe his deviations from the proper swing, and to practice in an indoor area with only one foot head room until he learns the art of a correct or so-called grooved swing.

Summary of the invention In brief, the present invention includes: a short steel shaft having a coupler aflixed to one end and provided with a golf club hand grip, the lupper portion of the coupler having external threads in engagement with an internally threaded portion of a cylinder, said cylinder being of substantial weight to simulate the Weight of a golf club; a permanent magnet secured against the nonthreaded portion of the coupler by a ferrule Iwithin an annular recess or pocket portion of said cylinder; an aim-ball or guide unit comprising a plastic ball integrated with a plastic supporting base therefor; a plastic ball assembly removably engageably, but iirmly held against lateral movement with the permanent magnet, said assembly including a ferrous disc having opposed faces, that is mounted within an annular cup-shaped rigid plastic housing that is encased in a similarly shaped flexible plastic housing, the ball of the assembly being integrated with the other components by suitable `anchor means; and a novel target assembly formed of cardboard material, semirigid flexible plastic material, or the like, to which the upper marginal region of a resilient curtain is secured, said assembly being foldable along certain provided score lines for storage when not in use, as will appear.

The invention is illustrated on two sheets of drawings that accompany this specication. Features and advantages not specifically noted hereinabove will be apparent or pointed out in the detailed description to follow with reference to these drawings.

Brief description of the drawings FIGURE l is a side elevational view of a golf club simulative device included in the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the included aim-ball unit;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the included plastic ball assembly;

FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of the included target assembly;

FIGURE 5 is an axial sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the lower end portion of the FIGURE 1 device;

FIGURE 6 is a bottom plan view of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale, taken on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURES 5 and 7 illustrating the included elements mounted in associated relationship;

FIGURE 9 is a view schematically demonstrating the relative disposition of the above-designated elements and assemblies of the invention in use and correct ball assembly trajectory;

FIGURE l0 is a plan view of the blank wherewith the body of the target assembly is formed, said blank preferably being of corrugated cardboard material, and having the resilient curtain of said assembly permanently attached thereto;

FIGURE 1l is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 11-11 of FIGURE 10;

FIGURES 12 and 13 illustrate successive steps in folding the FIGURE 10 blank and attached curtain into a status suitable for shipping purposes at the time of manufacture, or for storage purposes after employment;

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged bottom end View of the folded target assembly shown in FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 15 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 15-15 of FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 16 is a front elevational view of the FIG- URE 10 blank and attached curtain set up in target assembly status, this view being similar to FIGURE 4, but on a larger scale;

FIGURE 17 is a bottom end view of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 18 is an enlarged right end elevational view of FIGURE 16 illustrating the triangular configuration of the body, and the perpendicularly hanging disposition of the curtain therein when the FIGURE l() components are folded and locked into target status;

FIGURE 19 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale, taken on the line 19--19 of FIGURE 16; and

FIGURE 20 is a similar view taken on the line 20-20 of FIGURE 16.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment In the achievement of the primary objectives of the present invention, four major components and organizations of elements are employed. These include: a golf club simulative device, generally indicated at 24, having a magnetic micrometer assembly 26 constituting the lower end thereof; an aim-ball unit 28; a plastic ball assembly 30; and a target assembly generally designated 32.

The comparatively short and slightly upwardly tapered tubular shaft 34 of the device 24 is preferably m-ade of steel, and as shown particularly in FIGURES 1 and 5, the portion thereof that extends above the magnetic micrometer assembly is appropriately covered with a tapered hard rubber hand grip 36 in conventional golf club fashion. A distinctive marker or insignia 37 is stamped into, or otherwise permanently affixed to, the upper periphery of the and grip as shown. A stop element 39, which may be a rivet or the like, is mounted on the lower portion 38 of the shaft 34 for a purpose referred to below.

As best seen in FIGURE 5, the magnetic micrometer assembly 26 that comprises the lower or outer end portion of the device 24 includes a noncovered part of the lower end portion 38 of the shaft 34 as a support; a magnet Vernier coupler 40 that surrounds and is locked to said shaft end portion 38 by a spring pin 42, or the like, which forms a base; a permanent magnet element 44 below or outwardly of the end of the shaft 34; and a ferrule 46 having an upper or inner flange engaging a shoulder of the coupler 40 and a lower or outer flange engaging the magnet element 44 to maintain a firm assembly.

The coupler 40 includes an upper or inner portion S0 provided with external threads 52, an intermediate cylindrical portion 54 of smaller diameter, and a lower or outer cylindrical portion 56. The spring pin 42, as clearly shown, extends through aligned apertures provided therefor in the lower end portion 38 of the shaft 34 and the cylindrical portion 54 of said coupler, the latter portion being reduced in diameter so as to provide la shoulder 55 at its mergence into the coupler portion 56. A heavy cylinder 48 is threadedly mounted on the threads of the coupler portion and surrounds the ferrule 46 when in the position of FIGURE 5, its upward movement being limited by the stop 39 which establishes a starting position for adjusting the device 24 for use.

The magnet element 44 is cylindrical and has a flat top or inner face 58 and a chamfered lower or outer end portion 60 provided with a at face 62.

The cylinder 48 is of the stated substantial weight so as to simulate the weight of a conventional golf club. It comprises an upper portion 66 provided with internal threads 68 that engage the external threads 52 of the coupler, and a hollow lower or pocket portion 70 adapted to encompass the ferrule 46 when the magnetic micrometer assembly 26 is in the status thereof illustrated in FIGURE 5. As shown in FIGURE 6, the bottom face 72 of the cylinder 48 has stamped thereinto, or is otherwise appropriately provided with a dial or circular series of calibrated markings 74, those illustrated being the numerals 1 through 9, and a pointer or arrowhead 76.

The aim-ball unit 28, shown per se in FIGURE 2, comprises a hollow plastic ball 78, simulative of a conventional golf ball, that is permanently secured atop an also preferably plastic support 80.

The assembly 30, shown per se in FIGURES 3 and 7, comprises a ball 84; a cup-shaped outer housing 86; an inner housing 88; a disc 90; and means generally indicated by the numeral 92 to integrate the elements 84 through 88. The ball 84 is hollow, of lightweight plastic material, and is simulative of a conventional golf ball, except that it has a plurality of openings 94 formed therein as shown. The outer housing 86 is fashioned of relatively soft resilient plastic material to include a slightly upwardly flared annular side wall 96 and a bottom wall 98 that is arcuately contoured in correspondence with the periphery of the ball 84. A triangular or arrowhead opening 99 is provided in the side wall 96 for a reason to appear.

The inner housing 88 is fashioned of a semi-rigid plastic material to include a slightly upwardly tapered side wall 100 having adequate compressive strength to prevent buckling, a llat bottom wall 102, and an outwardly projecting annular top flange 104. As illustrated, the inner housing 88 is press-fitted into the resilient outer housing 86 with the flange 104 in contact with the top peripheral edge of the side wall 96. Centrally thereof, the bottom wall 98 of the outer housing 86 is provided with a circular opening 106 in alignment with a similar opening 108 provided in the bottom wall 102 of the inner housing 88, as shown particularly in FIGURES 7 and 8.

The disc is of ferrous material, and so diametered as to be positioned within the side wall of the inner housing 88 and against the bottom wall 102. Centrally thereof, a well 110 is formed in said disc, and the top face 112 thereof is downwardly inclined or beveled from left to right (as viewed in the drawings), so that the thickness of its peripheral edge region 114 is approximately twice that of its diametrically opposite peripheral edge region 116.

Various means may be employed for integrating the above described elements of the ball assembly 30. The means 92 illustrated in the drawings includes a screw 118, and what will be termed a hollow Wall screw anchor element which is internally threaded. The head of the screw 118 is disposed within the well 110 of the disc 90, and extends through and beyond the aligned openings 108 and 106 aforesaid. The anchor element 120 is rigidly mounted in the top periphery of the ball 84 as shown, so that said ball 84 together with said anchor element 120 may be rotated about the lower end of the screw 118 until the adjacent peripheral portion of the ball 84 impinges against the arcuately contoured bottom wall 98 of the resilient housing 86. Consequently, it should be apparent that all of the components included in the assembly 30 are integrated.

In FIGURE 8, the permanent magnet 44 and the beveled ferrous disc 114 are held together in overall engagement by the full strength of the magnetic holding force of the permanent magnet. The semi-rigid plastic inner side wall 100 of the ferrous disc housing which surrounds the magnet is snugly t so as to prevent any lateral movement of the entire ball assembly 30 shown in FIGURE 7.

When the calibrated magnetic micrometer cylinder 48 is rotated leftwards (FIG. 8), the inner side wall flange 104 of the housing will first touch the face of the cylinder at point A. As the magnetic micrometer cylinder continues to be turned, the side wall 100 is sufficiently rigid to transmit the applied lifting force to the entire ball assembly of which the beveled ferrous disc 114 is an integral part. With the corner of the magnet face at point B acting as a pivot point, the ferrous disc face originally in full contact with the magnet face is separated from the magnet face.

Those skilled in the art can appreciate that through various degrees of adjustment of the calibrated magnetic micrometer 74 operating as previously described, it is possible to precisely control the air gap between the magnet face and the ferrous disc face. The air gap can be controlled from an infinitesimal gap at point C to a complete air gap when the micrometer cylinder has been rotated leftwards, so that no part of the ferrous disc remains in contact with the magnet. Further, those skilled in the art recognize that it is a well established scientific fact that the holding strength of a magnet approximately varies inversely as the square of the distance between the magnet face and the face of the ferrous disc. It is now clearly apparent that a unique means has been provided to control the force required to release the ball assembly (FIG. 7), from the golf device (FIG. 1), when the golf device is in a position as shown in FIGURE 8.

Those skilled in the art know that the lateral holding force between a permanent magnet and a ferrous disc is very slight in comparison to the vertical holding force between a permanent magnet and a ferrous disc. Therefore, it is evident that if any lateral movement is present in the foregoing described relationship of the ball assembly and the magnet, FIGURE 8, there will be a variable lateral force factor introduced which will destroy the ability of the magnetic micrometer to measure out repeatable release forces in correspondence for which the settings on the micrometer dial 74 have been calibrated. Therefore, it is paramount to the correct repeatable functioning of the device (FIG. 1 and FIG. 8); that as the air gap is enlarged, means be provided to prevent the wall 100 of the ferrous disc housing 88 from losing a tight contact with the extremities of the ferrule 46 at the magnet face 62. In order to retain the foregoing guard against the introduction of any lateral movement and still permit the upward movement of one side of the ferrous disc housing 88 and the downward movement of the other side while the air gap is enlarged, it is necessary that the semirigid wall 100 be properly sloped, as shown. Such a construction Will enable the side Wall 100 to remain in contact with the extremities of the ferrule 46 at the magnet face 62 and thereby prevent the unwanted lateral movement heretofore explained as detrimental to the proper functioning of the device.

Whereas, the above described construction is the preferred construction, we realize that the preceding principles can also be implemented by other arrangements of the component parts. For instance, a workable device could be constructed by using a beveled magnet face in conjunction with a fiat faced ferrous disc. Or a flat magnet face and a flat faced ferrous disc could be used in conjunction with a beveled flange 104 of the disc housing 88.

The construction of the target assembly 32 is illustrated in FIGURES 10 through 20, and will be described with attention focused on these views. As shown in FIG- URE 10, the main body of the assembly would be formed from a generally rectangular blank of cardboard material 130. This blank is provided with a plurality of appropriately spaced transverse score lines, so that when folded along these score lines to its erected status shown particularly in FIGURES 18 through 20, the target assembly 32 includes a front panel 132, a rear panel 134, a narrow apex panel 136, a bottom panel 138, and a narrow inclined panel 140 connecting said rear and bottom panels. Numeral 141 designates a narrow panel contiguous to the bottom panel 138.

A slightly smaller dimensioned reinforcing panel 142 is adhesively or otherwise permanently integrated with the front panel 132, and the upper marginal region 144 of a resilient curtain 146 is secured to the upper marginal spaced staples as illustrated, or by other appropriate means. The curtain 146 comprises a rectangular sheet of polyurethane foam or similar plastic material, and preferably has a green color. An opening 152, having a configuration suggestive of a golf course green is provided in the reinforced front wall panel 132, said opening extending through both of the panels 132 and 142.

The cardboard blank 130 and its thereto attached curtain 146 may be folded into a compact package at the time of manufacture for shipping purposes, or subsequent to erection and use, for storage purposes. To these ends, the blank is provided with a pair of locking flapsor tabs 154 that may selectively be entered into a rst pair of transversely spaced slots 156, or into a second pair of similar slots 158, it being noted that the tabs and slots are in alignment. The tabs 154 project from a narrow panel 155 contiguous to the panel 132. The first pair of slots 156 is formed along the score line that defines the fold between the rear panel 134 and the inclined panel 140. The second pair of slots 158 is formed in the bottom panel 138 a determined distance from the score line that defines the fold between said panel and the narrow panel 141.

Thus, in the folded-to-package status of the blank and curtain illustrated in FIGURES 13 through 15, the locking tabs 154 extend into the first pair of slots 156, whereas, in the folded-to-target status illustrated in FIGURES 16 through 20, the locking tabs 154 extend into the second pair of slots 158.

Formed centrally in the blank 130, partly in the reinforced front panel and partly in the panel 155 is a semicircular cutout or indentation 160. Also formed centrally in the blank 130, partly in the bottom panel 138 and partly in the panel 141` is an identical indentation 162. In the target status of the blank, these openings 160 and 162 are disposed as illustrated particularly in FIG- URE 20 whereby to provide an arcuate opening for putting practice purposes.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that the invention provides a target assembly 32 that is unique and incorporates many novel features. The curtain 146 hangs perpendicularly behind the opening 152, and being green in color, presents a golf course green outline vividly. To increase the degree of simulation, a perspective golf scene may be painted on the surface of the panel 132. A ball assembly 30 properly delivered via the opening 152, strikes the resilient curtain and drops. The target assembly being open at the sides, facilitates retrieval of the ball assembly 30. The inclined panel 140 prevents toppling over of the target rearwardly in case the released ball assembly 30 strikes the front panel 132 instead of being propelled through the opening 52 and against the curtain 146. The upright opening 160 is sized proportionally to a horizontal conventional cup, so that a golf ball propelled therethrough would similarly drop into such cup.

Whereas, the above described target construction is the preferred construction, it is realized that this structure or a triangular structure of sufficient rigidity can be used as the framework for elaborating on the basic principles herein disclosed. As an example, a sheet of` plastic foam material could be used to pad the disclosed structure, and an exterior vinyl sheet onto which a golf scene has been silk screened could be placed over the plastic foam sheet and be heat-sealed to an interior vinyl sheet, thereby simultaneously encapsulating the aforesaid corrugated and foam sandwich structure.

With further reference to the magnetic micrometer assembly 26, a simplified operation of the device 24 involves substantially a single rotation of the cylinder 48. To insure such operation, the above-described structure of the device 24 is modified to add an internally threaded sleeve or collar element 71 of suitable firm material mounted on the threads 52 of the coupler 40 in stationary relation therewith and firmly engaging the shoulder 55 at one end. The sleeve element 71, which is shown in phantom broken lines in FIGURE 8, has its other end spaced from the internal cylinder shoulder 69, which may be square, an axial distance substantially equal to the pitch of the said threads 52 when the magnet element 44 is fully projected and the stop element 39 is in engagement with the end of the upper portion 66 of the cylinder 48. This arrangement, obviously, limits the rotation of the cylinder 48 to one full turn. This simplifies positioning of the magnet face 62 in respect to the top face 112 of the disc 90 in the use of the device 24.

Use

It will be assumed that the golf club simulative device 24 is in the status illustrated in FIGURE 5; that the guide unit 2S of FIGURE 2 and the assembly 30 of FIGURE 3 are at hand; and that the target assembly 32 of FIG- URE 4 is in the compact or folded status illustrated in FIGURES 13-15.

The rst step required is to erect the target assembly 32 so that it presents the status clearly illustraed in FIGURES 18 through 20. As there shown, in the erected status of said assembly, the curtain 146 hangs perpendicularly and rearwardly of the simulated golf green opening 152 provided in the reinforced front panel 132. It is not considered necessary to elaborate on the successive step procedure to be employed in the erection of the target assembly, inasmuch as the interlockings of the tabs 154 with the slots 158 are clearly illustrated, identifying reference numerals being applied to the parts in the drawings. Nor is it considered requisite to elaborate on the successive step procedure to be employed in folding the assembly 32 to shipping or storage status wherein the innerlockings of the tabs 154 with the slots 156 are likewise clearly indicated. It is, of course, understood that detailed instructions for the erection of the target assembly as well as for the use of the other recited components of the invention would accompany the manufactured-forsale product.

Accordingly, it is believed that a synoptic presentation of these instructions will be conducive to a comprehensive understanding of the invention.

Synopsis of instructions (l) Fold the target assembly 32 into a triangular configuration by entering the flaps 154 into the base slots 158.

(2) Place the assembly 32 on a level surface, and place the aim-ball unit 28 approximately fifteen inches in front of the target. The device 24, which, in this version, is approximately fifteen inches in length with ball assembly attached, can be used as a ruler to determine aforesaid distance.

(3) Take hold of the device 24 and turn it until the insignia 37 on the hand grip 36 faces you perpendicularly and then align the proposed swing path of the device with the center of the golf `green opening 152.

(4) Take up a golf stance and place the aim-ball 28 approximately twenty-eight inches from your toes along the aforementioned fifteen inch line. This is the average distance at which a golfer positions a ball for a drive from the tee. The position of the aim-ball 28 determines the angular plane of your swing. It is evident that the suggested angular plane may be varied by placement of the aim-ball, so as to accommodate a users arm length and girth.

If it is desired to simulate an iron shot, the angular plane of your swing should be changed by ymoving the aim-ball closer to your toes. The average golfer stands eighteen inches away from the ball for a seven iron shot. It is evident that variance from the normal distance can be altered to alter the users preferred angular plane for any iron club.

(6) Where to place your foot which faces the target 32 in relationship to the aim-ball line is a matter of preference. Most professionals recommend hitting the majority of shots with the ball in line with the inside heel of the forward foot.

(7) Pursuant to taking up a preferred golf stance in relationship to the aforementioned instructions, hold the bottom face 72 of the cylinder 48 in view, rotate clockwise said cylinder until it engages the stop 39.

(8) Take hold of the grip 36, so that the insignia is perpendicular to you.

(9) Attach the plastic ball assembly 30 to the magnet 44 with the arrowhead opening 99 provided in the side wall 96 of the plastic housing 86 facing you perpendicularly.

(10) Hold the cylinder 48 with the markings 74 in view similar to step 7 and rotate the cylinder 48 counterclockwise until its bottom face 72 almost touches the ball assembly 30, and align the arrowhead opening 99 with the arrowhead 76. Both arrowheads and the insignia 37 on the grip 36 will thus be perpendicular relative to your body.

(11) Now hold the device with a preferred golf grip and address the aim-ball 28 as though it were an actual golf ball. Bear in mind that you should visualize an imaginary line from the ball 84 of the assembly 30 to the ball 78 of the unit 28, such line being representative of the angle at which you normally hold a golf club when addressing an actual golf ball. Do not be concerned that the device does not have a club head. Golf professionals are in agreement that if a person does with their arms, bodies, hands and wrists what should be done, the head of the club will take care of itself.

(12) Take a few moderate warmup swings. You will note that the device 24 is weight designed to give you the same feel as a regular club.

(13) Now take a full golf swing towards the target assembly 32. If the ball assembly 30 strikes the golf course `green outlined via the opening 152, then you have simulated a timed, accurate, solid hit.

If the ball assembly 30 releases in front of the target assembly 32, it indicates that you have uncocked your wrists too early.

If the ball assembly flies over the target assembly 32, it indicates that you have uncocked your wrists and hands too late.

The degree by which you are wide of the target assembly 32 is indicative of a corresponding directional error in real play. Directional errors are primarily caused by the inability of a golfer to bring the club straight through the impact Zone.

If the ball assembly 30 does not release, it does not necessarily indicate that an incorrect golf swing has been simulated. However, it does mean that you are developing less swing speed in the impact zone than is required for release of the -ball assembly 30 at the particular setting of magnetic micrometer 48.

The mastery of releasing the ball assembly 30 with a proper golf swing into the green opening 152 at a lower numbered dial 74 force setting will train the user to swing harder properly and release a maximum of potential energy, which will result in the user hitting the ball farther in real play. However, the ability to perform a correct golf swing should not be sacrificed for the sole satisfaction of being able to swing hard enough to remove the ball assembly 30 with an erroneous swing.

If the ball assembly 30 did not release, then turn the micrometer cylinder 48 counterclockwise until the next larger number on the dial 74 aligns with the arrowhead opening 99 on the ball assembly 30. Thereupon, again follow the instructions numbered 2 through 13.

If suicient swing speed is not developed at the new setting, repeat by aligning the ball assembly arrow 99 with the next higher dial number 74 until a force setting will permit the swing speed you are applying to release the ball assembly 30.

When the correct force setting is found in relationship to your swing speed, it is Wise to stay with this setting until you have grooved your swing at this particular setting. The ability to repeat the release force setting under which prior swings have been made is unique. The adjustability of the magnetic micrometer assembly 26 serving to measure out a precise amount of release force to be overcome by your swing speed must be appreciated in order to obtain the maximum benefit in analyzing such swings.

The three most important points to remember are the following:

1) Always have the arrowhead 99 on the ball assembly 30 and the insignia 37 on the grip 36 facing you, and as nearly perpendicular thereto as practical.

(2) After a ball assembly 30 release, align the arrowhead 99 with the same dial setting employed for the prior swing.

(3) Should you desire to go from a wholly retracted position of the magnet 44, then you should rst cornplete instructions 7 through 10 before proceeding to the desired dial 74 setting.

In view of the foregoing description, the drawings and the synopsis of instructions for use, it is believed that an adequate disclosure of the instant invention has been presented. It should, of course, be understood that structural details illustrated and described may be modified by those skilled in this art. Wherefore, any such changes in the form of elements or substitution of equivalent elements are contemplated as within `the scope of the present invention that is limited only by the claims set forth below.

What is claimed is:

y1. A simulated golf club for practicing golf swings comprising, in combination, a first means adapted to be grasped -by the hands of a user `for swinging the club, a second Imeans for releasably holding `a releasable member, said second means being operatively connected to said rst means, a releasable member releasably connected to said second means and adapted to be released therefrom while simulating a golf swing with said club, said releasable member including a cup adapted to receive said second means and having a bottom, and a simulated golf ball connected to said cup exteriorly thereof, and means for magnetically attracting the bottom of said cup to said second means so that said releasable member may be releasably held by said second means.

2. The combination of claim 1 and including movable -means for moving said cup relative to said second means and establishing a selected air space between the bottom of said cup and said second means to weaken the magnetic force therebetween and for increasing the lair space as needed to establish the required holding force vfor each user.

3. The combination of claim 2 and including indexing means for establishing points of relationship between said movable means, said second means and said cup.

4. The combination of claim 2 in which the coaction between the bottom of said cup and said second means is such that the `top of said cup is at an angle to the movable means when the second means is in engagement with the bottom of said cup so that said movable means may engage said cup initially only at one point and movement of said movable means towards said cup will separate one edge of said second -means from the bottom of the cup and said cup will pivot about an opposite edge of Isaid second means.

5,. The combination of claim 4 in which said movable means is a cylinder threadedly mounted in respect to said second -means and said cup thereby permitting infinite positioning of said cup in respect .to said second means.

l6. The combination of claim 2 and including stop means establishing one limit position of said movable means adapted to serve :as a starting position therefor in determining use positions thereof.

7. The combination of claim 2 and including stop means establishing one limit position of said movable means adapted to serve as a control of the usable magnetic holding force.

8. The combination of claim 2 fand including spaced stop means Ylimiting movement of said movable means to a short effective range.

9. The combination of claim 1 in which the visible trajectory of the releasable member on release in a simulated golf swing with said club is informative to the usei of the nature of the swing.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,914,449 6/1933 Murray 124-5 1,994,207 3/ 1935 Ahles 273-193 2,135,648 1l/l938 Stumpf 273-193 X 3,113,782 12/1963 Guier.

3,401,941 9/1968 Hesidence.

GEORGE J. MARLO, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 

